Laguna Hills selects grand marshal for Memorial Day race

April 10, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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In this Register file photo, runners begin the 14th annual Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 5K and 10K, held May 28, 2012, in honor of the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. ANA P. GUTIERREZ, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

In this Register file photo, runners begin the 14th annual Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 5K and 10K, held May 28, 2012, in honor of the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. ANA P. GUTIERREZ, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LAGUNA HILLS – Cpl. Josue Barron will serve as the grand marshal at the city's Memorial Day Half Marathon, 10K and 5K event May 27, the City Council agreed Tuesday.

Barron lost his left eye and left leg above the knee while serving in Afghanistan in 2010 with the city's adopted 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines of the 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton.

Since finishing rehabilitation at the National Naval Medical Center in San Diego, Barron has participated in six full marathons.

The races are set to begin at 7 a.m. in front of the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

More than 500 people have already signed up to run in the event, according to city staffers.

The city is again teaming up with local nonprofit South County Outreach to hold a food drive in conjunction with the races.

The city also again plans to donate $3 from each registration to the 3/5 Marine Support Committee, which helps members of the battalion and their families.

This year, finisher medals will be awarded in all the races, and not just the half marathon, committee member Evan Gost said.

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